Munich: Fifa will adopt minimum two-year suspensions for doping offences, while allowing national associations to reduce the bans for mitigating circumstances. Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer said on Sunday his organisation is compliant “on paper” with World Anti-Doping Agency’s guidelines. WADA has pressured Fifa to strengthen its penalties for doping.

“In principle, we agree to the two-year suspensions, which in some cases could be more or could be less,” Blazer said. “We still maintain individual case management.”

The recommendation from Fifa’s executive committee on Sunday must be adopted later this week by the Fifa Congress.

Iran president may visit team

Friedrichshafen: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may visit the national team during the World Cup, the head of Iran’s soccer association said on Sunday as the squad arrived to a colourful and boisterous welcome here. “We met the president yesterday (on Saturday)...,” said Mohammad Dadgan, president of Iran’s association. “He said if he has time he could come to Germany.”

Lehmann plans long innings

London: Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann is planning to continue his international career beyond the World Cup after insisting he feels “like a 26-year-old”. The veteran stopper, 36, is entering his first tournament as Germany’s No. 1 goalkeeper and he claims that he is in top shape and could go on for years.

Asked whether the national team remained in his plans after the World Cup, he told Frankfurt newspaper: “Yes. I love football. It makes a lot of fun. And I am fit. (Perhaps I feel) like 26. And I am much fitter than when I was 30 years old.”

Heinze fit

Herzogenaurach (Germany): Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze says he has won his battle to be fit for the World Cup. He is a virtual certainty in central defence in Argentina’s opening group C game against Ivory Coast on June 10.

Viduka on future

London: Middlesbrough and Australia striker Mark Viduka has revealed he is considering retiring from international football after the World Cup. Viduka has said a combination of family reasons and concerns over frequent long-distance travel could prompt him to quit the Socceroos later this year.

Kezman injured

Belgrade: Serbia-Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman was injured Saturday during preparations for the World Cup. The Serbs’ main striker suffered a knee injury. “It is evident that Kezman will have to rest for a few days,” team doctor Ilija Asanin said.